Welsh Ponies are one of the most popular breeds of small equines worldwide. Breed registries recognize four sections of Welsh Ponies depending on size and type, ranging from the smallest Welsh Mountain Pony to the sturdier Welsh Cob.

The breed descends from the Celtic Ponies that roamed the mountains of Wales for thousands of years. The harsh climate of their native home produced a hardy equine, and refinement from Arabian blood helped develop the beautiful Welsh Pony of today.

While beloved for their elegance and versatility, certain sections of Welsh Ponies are more susceptible to congenital health problems. Like most ponies, they are also at risk of metabolic disorders and require careful attention to their feeding programs.

This article will review the origin, history, breed characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of Welsh Ponies and Cobs. Keep reading to learn more about caring for and feeding the Welsh Pony breed.

Welsh Pony History

Welsh Ponies have a long history in Wales, a country located in the southwest United Kingdom. Once threatened by 16th-century laws that ordered the destruction of small equines, the breed rebounded to become the most popular pony in the British Isles.

Origin

Archeological evidence suggests native ponies inhabited the British Isles since the Bronze Age. The original Welsh Mountain Pony evolved from populations of these ancient Celtic Ponies in Wales, where cold winters and sparse vegetation made survival challenging. [1]

Selection pressures created a native Welsh foundation stock with above-average intelligence and hardiness. Centuries of selective breeding by local farmers followed and, by the 15th century, historical records indicate Welsh Cobs existed in the region.

Modern Welsh Ponies share several characteristics with Arabian horses. Breeders in the 18th and 19th centuries used Arabian horses to refine the breed. However, historians believe that Arabian horses present in Britain until the Roman withdrawal in 410 AD, also had an influence on the early development of the Welsh Pony. [1]

Breeders established an official Welsh Pony stud book in 1901 that separated the Welsh breed into sections based on type and height. These sections include the following:

  • Section A: Welsh Mountain Pony
  • Section B: Welsh Pony
  • Section C: Welsh Pony of Cob Type
  • Section D: Welsh Cob

 

Historic Use

A small population of feral Welsh Ponies still roam free in Wales. However, domestic Welsh Ponies have served a variety of uses throughout history. [17]

Middle Age farmers in Wales relied on Welsh Cobs for farm work and timbering before larger draft breeds gained popularity in the British Isles. However, some areas couldn’t support heavier breeds and continued to rely on the strength of small but hardy cobs.

When Welsh forces helped Henry Tudor gain the English throne in 1485, Welsh Cobs served as speedy all-purpose mounts and packed supplies alongside the larger war horses ridden by knights.

British pony breeds came close to extinction in 1535 when King Henry VIII ordered the destruction of stallions under 15 hands in the Breed of Horses Act. The monarch believed culling smaller horses would improve British breeds and produce better war horses. [2]

Welsh Ponies escaped destruction in the rural hills of Wales until Queen Elizabeth I repealed the law. Welsh society continued to rely on the ponies for transportation and agriculture for centuries. After the industrial revolution, Welsh Ponies also served as pit ponies in coal mines.

Breed Registry

Founded in 1901, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society is the UK’s official breed registry. The society published the first studbook that same year.

All Welsh Ponies and Cobs registered in North America descend from animals registered with the WPCS in the UK. However, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America manages registration and preservation of the breed on this side of the Atlantic.

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Breed Characteristics

The modern Welsh Pony has a similar type to the ponies described in Welsh records from the 15th century. However, the four sections of Welsh Ponies and Cobs have slightly different characteristics that allow these small equines to excel in many disciplines.

Conformation

Different sections of the breed belong to either pony or cob types. All sections have elegant heads, large eyes, short backs, strong hindquarters, and sloped shoulders. Legs should be straight with well-shaped hooves. [3]

Pony types include the Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A) and Welsh Pony (Section B). These ponies have small heads with dished faces, small muzzles and ears, finely-cut throat latches, and long, arched necks.

These types have long but slightly finer hindquarters with a high tail carriage. They should move with a free gait and significant joint flexion. Section B Welsh Ponies are bred for the movement and bone desired in a riding pony.

Cob types include the Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C) and the Welsh Cob (Section D). These horses have more robust builds and hardier conformations. Their heads are less refined than pony types but still have pony characters.

These cobs have well-carried, long necks, deep bodies, round ribs, muscular loins, solid hindquarters and well-set tails. Their legs are sturdy, with broad joints and muscling that propels their rounded movement.

Height standards depend on the section:

  • Welsh Mountain Pony: (Section A) Under 12 Hands
  • Welsh Pony: (Section B) Under 13.2 Hands
  • Welsh Pony of Cob Type: (Section C) Under 13.2 Hands
  • Welsh Cob: (Section D) Over 13.2 Hands

 

Colours

Welsh Ponies and Cobs can be any solid colour. Grey, black, bay and chestnut are the most common, but coat colours associated with dilution genes also occur.

Temperament

The Welsh breed has a reputation for friendly personalities and good dispositions. These ponies also have a high level of intelligence and spirit. While Welsh Ponies typically lack the stubbornness of other pony breeds, they can still be cheeky.

Well-trained Welsh Ponies can make excellent beginner children’s ponies. However, young riders should always have guidance from experienced adults to ensure they handle their ponies correctly.

Disciplines

All Welsh Ponies and Cobs are versatile mounts that excel in nearly every riding and driving discipline today. However, different sections are best suited for different types of riders.

Welsh Mountain Ponies are generally too small for riders larger than young children and are often used for leadline classes. Adult owners can still enjoy these Welsh Ponies in halter and harness arenas.

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